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Future of Slots Unclear in Maryland

ANNAPOLIS, Maryland – As reported by the -- Just five weeks before the opening of the 2004 legislative session, the future of slot machine gambling in Maryland, if there is one, is as muddled as ever.

"Proposals floating around state government circles call for slot machines at tracks, slot machines in off-track casinos, slot machines in bars, at Baltimore-Washington International Airport, and in Baltimore's Inner Harbor area.

"More than seven months have passed since Gov. Robert Ehrlich's slot machine bill died in a House committee, but nothing resembling a consensus has developed among legislative leaders and the Ehrlich administration.

"Members of the House Ways and Means Committee, which killed Ehrlich's bill and spent the last several months studying gambling issues, will be meeting today and Tuesday to prepare recommendations for the House.

"…He expects the committee to provide recommendations and options on a broad range of issues, including: Who should own and control slot machines? Where should they be located? How much money should go to the state, and how much to private operators? How many machines should be permitted, and should local governments have a veto power over slots operations?

"…Sen. Patrick Hogan, D-Montgomery, vice chairman of the Budget and Taxation Committee, said chances are pretty good slot machine legislation will be approved despite what he said are mixed messages from the administration and a lack of a consensus on what should be done…"

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